Samurais emerged from lower ranking nobles given the task of policing and defending the east, the Kanto region in particular. They gradually gained power, leading to their establishing the first military government in Kamakura in the late 12th century. Around the same time, Zen was imported and taken to by the samurais. Explore the spirit of the samurai and Zen in Kamakura.
At your hotel in Tokyo.
Pick up at hotel in Tokyo (9am).
Kenchouji Buddhist Temple of the Rinzai Zen sect.
Engakuji Buddhist Temple of the Rinzai Zen sect.
Tsuruoka-hachimanguu Shintou shrine.
The giant Buddha statue, the landmark of Kamakura.
Return to hotel (4pm).
At your hotel in Tokyo.
Visit the religious sites to gain insight to the spiritual background of the samurais.
View some early Zen gardens and historical buildings.
Hotel pick-up,
Guide fee,
Hotel return
Railway fees (approximately 3,000 yen per person depending on the area in Tokyo),
Your lunch,
Admission fees to temples etc. (1,300 yen per person)
I do not do coach tours.
You have to pay the following fares and fees on the day (per person).
Round trip from Tokyo (approximately 1,600 yen)
Your lunch.
Round trip Kamakura/Hase (approximately 600 yen)
Admission fees to temples etc. (1,300 yen)
I had Takahiro as a guide for my first trip to Tokyo and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. We visited Asakusa and explored the Temple and Shinto shrine with Tom (as he asked me to call him) explaining the fascinating details as we went. He was very knowledgable in all areas and his English is impeccable, having worked and lived in UK in his younger years. I never felt rushed and Tom's flexibility and patience was appreciated as I browsed the stalls to find souvenirs to take home. We took the river boat to Yasuda Park and the Sumo Arena and had a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens. Tom helped with every aspect of the trip (subway navigation especially) and it was a lovely first taste of the history of Tokyo and it has definitely made me want to come back again. Thanks so much Tom, we will see you again on our next visit.
Thank you Simon for your kind review. I'm glad that you enjoyed your first and short trip to Japan. Japan has so much to offer to visitors to Japan. History starting from the Jomon people from 14000 B.C. to modern times, religious and cultural heritage, architecture, gardens to name a few. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan in the near future. Thanks again for having me as your guide.
Takahiro showed temples and shrines in Tokyo and taught us interesting things about Japanese culture. It was great being with him as he is super flexible, friendly and enthusiastic to show us around. He has great knowledge and very good English. Thank you Takahiro for this great day!
Dear Nadine, Thank you for taking a moment to write this review. I really enjoyed being with you and your family. I sincerely hope that you are enjoying the rest of your tour and wish you and your family all the best. Kind regards Takahiro
From the moment we contacted Tom he offered us support and advice which continued even after the guided tour. The tour was tailored to our interests and Tom surpassed our expectations. He even gave us written notes containing travel tips for us to use during our stay. Tom's knowledge and love for his country made this extra special, and we feel like we made a friend. We cannot recommend Tom highly enough.
Thank you so much for your kind review. I'm so glad I was able to help give a good start to your first visit to Japan. Although there were some hectic moments like catching the boat at the last minute, I think we managed to cover a lot of ground on your first day in Japan. I wish you a most enjoyable and memorable stay in Japan, and hope you will revisit Japan, giving me the opportunity to see you again either as a guide or friend.